HUNDREDS of signatures have been gathered at two doctors’ practices opposed to government proposals to build super-surgeries.

West End and Chobham surgeries have set up petitions against the proposal, which could see 150 new polyclinics in the UK, offering GP appointments as well as treatments and tests normally only available in hospital.

Protesters against the scheme are worried that it will destroy rural practices.

Norman Holden, chairman of the Bisley Residents’ Association, was deeply alarmed by the potential for a polyclinic to be built in the area, which he thinks would be disastrous. He urged people to get behind the surgeries to safeguard their future.

Mr Holden said: “Users of the surgeries in Chobham and West End think that if a polyclinic is established in this area at least one of the surgeries will be closed.

“Everybody seems to be in no doubt that this is what is planned for rural areas.

“I have spoken to David Clippingdale, practice manager of the surgeries, who asked me to write to my MP on behalf of the association about the introduction of polyclinics to replace GP surgeries. This is to show public feeling and get our blow in first.

“If these polyclinics were implemented, it would mean elderly people would have to travel further and it would be more expensive.

“The surgeries we have in Chobham and West End are very important to the whole community and function very well. We are lucky to have them.

“We all think the polyclinics are a bad idea. It would be very difficult if there were fewer but larger surgeries. Many people in village communities like ours depend on the service. Experts have said we would get a poorer standard of care.”